The Farmers’ Market is Back for the Summer

If you felt a collective buzz in the local food community last Sunday, we know what caused it. The Coquitlam Farmers Market Society opened for its 18th season on Sunday, May 11, 2014. The Poirier Street Farmers Market is a Tri-Cities staple. It’s located in the Dogwood Pavilion parking lot at 624 Poirier Street (Poirier and Winslow) in front of the lawn bowling and tennis centre. The market is open every Sunday, 9:00am to 1:00pm, until October 26, 2014.

The new season kicked off with a cooking demonstration featuring local restaurateur and Chef, Fred Soofi of Pasta Polo. Chef Soofi demonstrated how to create simple but delicious pasta dishes using ingredients found at the market. There were also special guests and interviews discussing the impact of sourcing your food locally in the community. Tri-Cities Television was also on site filming a segment to air on Shaw TV.

One of the highlights of the weekly market is the live, local talent providing a soundtrack to your shopping. Opening week featured Kevin Fink, a local guitarist/singer and member of Dances with Whiskey and The Dirty Men. Flowing seamlessly between covers and originals from many genres, Kevin offers tunes that everyone can enjoy.

“We are very excited to be back for another season in Coquitlam. The interest and demand for local food continues to grow, and we are thrilled with the excellent line up of vendors that will be bringing a wide variety of products to the market this year. Each year we see the composition of the market grow; this year we have new farmers joining us, and some very interesting prepared foods. We hope that more people will come to the market and see that they can find almost everything they need for their groceries that week. It’s a different way of shopping, but it is one that has a multitude of benefits for the community, plus you get amazing food!” shared Tabitha McLoughlin, Executive Director.

The market’s motto is Make, Bake or Grow, and everything at the market is made, baked or grown locally. Local produce is a highlight, of course, but you’ll also find meat, eggs, cheese, handcrafts, seafood, baked goods, pickles, jams and jellies and more. At this time of the year there are lots of vendors selling plants for your own garden, and offering tips to help you grow them successfully. You’ll also run into your friends and neighbours, reduce the carbon footprint of your food, and taste some of the freshest produce you can possibly lay hands on.